Băsescu returns to office

Protests have been held outside Romania's parliament against the return to office of President Traian Băsescu. The parliament on Monday (27 August) recognised a decision by Romania’s constitutional court to invalidate a referendum held in July to remove Băsescu from office because a 50% turnout threshold had not been reached.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta has been campaigning to remove the unpopular Băsescu, raising fears in Romania and abroad that the centre-left government is seeking to consolidate its power ahead of a general election in the autumn.